Aggies spring game updates (2:20 p.m.)

COLLEGE STATION – New coach Kevin Sumlin enjoys working the Aggies in the heat, so today will be right up Sumlin’s alley for the annual Maroon & White game.

Temperatures are expected in the high 80s, and winds are whipping here at Kyle Field. I will keep this post updated from the game, which kicks off at 1 p.m. The spring game isn’t televised, but is broadcast on the Texas A&M Radio Network.

The best thing to watch will be the QB battle, as sophomore Jameill Showers appeared to separate himself from three others during spring drills. His primary competition appears to be Johnny Manziel, the electric freshman who’s best in chaotic conditions.

When I update the blog with the latest news, I will list the latest time in the headline.

UPDATE (12:25): Dave Elmendorf, one of the true legends of Texas A&M football, just wandered through the press box to grab some paperwork for his radio broadcast. I visited with him for a while about the Aggies’ move to the SEC, and he’s ecstatic. “If you’re Texas A&M, wouldn’t you want to play in the nation’s best conference?” Elmendorf asked.

Elmendorf was one of the chapters in my 2003 book “Game of My Life: 25 Stories of Aggies Football,” and he couldn’t have been more gracious during those interview about a decade ago.

UPDATE (1 p.m.): Senior running back Christine Michael is participating in pre-game drills, but is wearing a black jersey and will not take part in contact. Running back coach Clarence McKinney has said it’s more important for Michael, who tore his ACL last November, to be ready for the fall than risk injury now.

UPDATE (1:25 p.m.) Freshman kicker Taylor Bertolet has had a strong spring as the candidate most likely to take over for Lou Groza Award winner Randy Bullock, but Bertolet missed a 24-yard field goal attempt on the first series of the spring game. His primary competition, walk-on Kyle Serres, responded with a 51-yarder on the second series.

UPDATE (1:55 p.m.) Senior running back Christine Michael (torn ACL last Novmber) is sitting out the spring game, and junior Ben Malena continues making his case for carries in the fall with a strong start. Malena has shown exceptional quickness and elusiveness out of the backfield in Kevin Sumlin’s wide-open offense, as the early star of the game.

UPDATE (2:05 p.m.) The Aggies have switched from a 3-4 to 4-3 under new defensive coordinator Mark Snyder, and defenders have been on their heels throughout the first half against an up-tempo offense. Senior receiver Ryan Swope has been wide open across the middle twice on two long touchdowns following slant passes. The defense is struggling mightily early.

UPDATE (2:20 p.m.) The Houston Texans drafted A&M kicker Randy Bullock in the fifth round on Saturday. Bullock attended Klein High, so he’ll be kicking for the team he grew up watching. Still no Cyrus Gray selection.